About the Museum

The Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum is a private, non-profit facility designed to “demystify” the police and educate the public about the historic, cultural, technological and social transitions of the Seattle Police Department and King County Sheriff’s Office.
The Museum actively collaborates and is the official repository for both of the agency’s historical artifacts, which are on public display and include; historic photographs, documents, weaponry, uniforms, and a variety of other artifacts dating back to the 1880’s.

The Police Museum was formed in 1997 by Seattle Police Officer Jim Ritter and other police officers who transformed an abandoned building into the largest privately operated police museum in the United States representing a major U.S. city and county. The Museum administration consists of a President and Board Members from both agencies as well as an Office Manager, who is the only paid employee. The Police Museum has been officially endorsed by the Seattle City Council and King County Council and relies on the collaborative support from the City of Seattle and it’s Police Department as well as King County and its’ Sheriff’s Office.

In addition, the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum also collaborates with other private organizations and various media entities which include; Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound, America’s Most Wanted, A&E, The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, Steven King Productions and other organizations which share the mission, vision and goals of the police museum.

The Police Museum is does not receive financial support from any government agency and is funded entirely through the generous donations of over 1,000 Seattle Police Officers and King County Sheriff’s Deputies, Admission fees, Gift shop sales, private donations, facility rentals and grants. The museum is a federally recognized 501C3 non-profit organization.

Media/Press Inquiries

The Police Museum welcomes media/press inquiries relating to historical police related events, protocol and or cultural transitions regarding the Seattle Police Department and/or King County Sheriff’s Office. Question relating to current police investigations and/or events should be directed to the appropriate agency’s Public Information Office.